Wheel bracket mounting structure and method of making the same

Abstract

 A wheel bracket mounting structure which includes an elongated and flexible bracket member having an axle mounting section and a stem mounting section at generally opposite ends thereof. The axle mounting section includes a generally flat, platelike portion. The stem mounting section includes an elongate, generally arcuate stem adapted to be directly attached to a support member on a wheeled vehicle. An intermediate section is provided between the axle mounting section and the stem mounting section. A segment is provided at the juncture between the intermediate section and the flat, platelike portion to provide a region remote from the arcuate stem about which the platelike portion can elastically flex relative to the arcuate stem.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a wheel bracket mounting structure and a method for making it, and more particularly to a wheel bracket mounting structure having a single bracket part preferably made by a single stamping step and from which the axle is cantilevered.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Wheel bracket assemblies, which include a wheel bracket and a wheel rotatably supported on the bracket, are utilized in many applications, for example on shopping carts. In applications of this type, the wheel bracket assembly is frequently subjected to rough treatment and therefore must be durable and reliable. However, in industries which are highly competitive, it is also important that the wheel bracket assembly be relatively inexpensive in order to minimize the overall cost of the final product.

[0003] One conventional wheel bracket assembly used in applications of this type includes a U-shaped horn with the wheel rotatably supported between its legs, and a pin which is riveted in an opening in the bight of the horn and has transverse holes drilled therethrough. Although this conventional arrangement has been adequate for its intended purposes, it has not been satisfactory in all respects. In particular, several separate manufacturing steps are required to fabricate the wheel bracket, thus making the wheel bracket assembly relatively expensive. Further, the connection between the pin and horn is subjected to relatively large stresses and frequently tends to loosen over a period of time.

[0004] A further consideration is that it is usually desirable for a wheel bracket assembly of the foregoing type to have a small amount of pivoting and shock-absorbing capability when mounted on a shopping cart or other device, in order to minimize the stresses applied to the bearings. However, conventional arrangements which provide limited pivoting and/or shock-absorbing capability typically involve increased structural complexity of the wheel bracket assembly and thus an increased number of manufacturing steps to fabricate the wheel bracket assembly.

[0005] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a wheel bracket mounting structure which is simple in structure and is relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0006] A further object of the invention is to provide a wheel bracket mounting structure, as aforesaid, which can be fabricated with a minimum number of steps and with a minimal amount of labor.

[0007] A further object of the invention is to provide a wheel bracket mounting structure, as aforesaid, which is rugged and durable and requires little or no maintenance over its useful lifetime.

[0008] A further object of the invention is to provide a wheel bracket mounting structure, as aforesaid, which has an aesthetically pleasing appearance and preferably a somewhat streamlined shape.

[0009] A further object of the invention is to provide a wheel bracket mounting structure, as aforesaid, which has a shock-absorbing capability when mounted on a shopping cart or similar wheeled vehicle.

[0010] A further object of the invention is to provide a wheel bracket mounting structure, as aforesaid, wherein the bracket structure is rendered elastically movable relative to the structure on which it is mounted to further enhance the shock-absorbing capability of the wheel bracket mounting structure.

[0011] A further object of the invention is to provide a wheel bracket mounting structure, as aforesaid, wherein the axle is secured to the bracket member at only one end thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The objects and purposes of the broadest aspect of the invention, including those set forth above, are met by providing a wheel bracket mounting structure which includes an elongated and flexible bracket member having an axle mounting section and a stem mounting section at generally opposite ends thereof. The axle mounting section includes a first structure defining a generally flat, platelike portion. The stem mounting section includes second structure defining an elongate, generally arcuate stem adapted to be directly attached to a support member on a wheeled vehicle. The bracket member further includes third structure intermediate the aforesaid first and second structure for providing a smooth transition between the first and second structures. The third structure includes a segment adjacent the platelike portion for providing a region remote from the arcuate stem about which the platelike portion can elastically flex relative to the arcuate stem. The objects and purposes are also met by providing a method of making the bracket member, as aforesaid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The subject matter of the invention will be described in more detail hereinafter in connection with the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of a wheel supported vehicle, namely, a shopping cart having a wheel bracket mounting structure embodying the invention mounted thereon;

Figure 2 is an enlarged front view of a wheel bracket mounting structure embodying the invention and taken along the line II-II of Figure 1;

Figure 2A is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line IIA-IIA in Figure 2;

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along the line III-III of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a front elevational view of a second embodiment of the wheel bracket mounting structure;

Figure 6 is a sectional view taken along the line VI-VI of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a front elevational view of a third embodiment of the wheel bracket mounting structure embodying the invention;

Figure 8 is a sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a front elevational view of a fourth embodiment of the wheel bracket mounting structure embodying the invention;

Figure 10 is a sectional view taken along the line X-X of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a front elevational view of a fifth embodiment of the wheel bracket mounting structure embodying the invention;

Figure 12 is a sectional view taken along the line XII-XII of Figure 11;

Figure 13 is a front elevational view of a sixth embodiment of the wheel bracket mounting structure embodying the invention;

Figure 14 is a sectional view taken along the line XIV-XIV of Figure 13;

Figure 15 is a front elevational view of a seventh embodiment of the wheel bracket mounting structure embodying the invention;

Figure 16 is a sectional view taken along the line XVI-XVI of Figure 15;

Figure 17 is a sectional view taken along the line XVI-XVI of Figure 15;

Figure 18 is a front elevational view of an eighth embodiment of the wheel bracket mounting structure embodying the invention;

Figure 19 is a sectional view taken along the line XIX-XIX of Figure 18; and

Figure 20 is a sectional view taken along the line XX-XX of Figure 18.

[0014] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience in reference only and is not to be considered limiting. For example, the words "up", "down", "front" and "rear" will designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words "in" and "out" will respectively refer to directions toward and away from the geometric center of the wheel bracket mounting structure and designated parts thereof. Such terminology will include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] A conventional type of wheeled vehicle 10 is illustrated in Figure 1. The wheeled vehicle is comprised of a base frame 11 having the usual pivotal or castored front wheels 12 and fixed or stationary rear wheels 13. In this particular embodiment, the rear wheels 13 include a wheel bracket mounting structure which embodies the invention and, accordingly, the following discussion will be directed to the various embodiments of the rear wheel bracket mounting structure. Of particular importance is the downwardly extending and opening tubular segment 14 of the base frame 11, since it is to this segment that the wheel bracket mounting structure is secured.

[0016] Referring to Figure 2, the lower portion of the tubular segment 14 is illustrated therein. As stated above, the tubular segment 14 is the part of the base frame 11 to which the wheel bracket mounting structure is secured. More specifically, the wheel bracket mounting structure includes an elongated and flexible bracket member 16 having at opposite ends thereof an axle supporting section 17 and a stem section 18. in all embodiments described hereinafter, the bracket member 16 is formed from a single piece of metal of uniform thickness, preferably a high carbon steel plate such as type C-1065 and, after the stamping operation, is preferably heat treated and drawn to give it a Rockwell hardness in the range of 45 to 55 Rockwell C and preferably 48 to 52 Rockwell C. This essentially converts the bracket member to spring steel. The thus-increased tensile strength of the steel will enable the steel to withstand substantial shock loads without any plastic deformation.

[0017] In the embodiment of Figures 2 to 4, the stem section 18 is formed into a split cylinder 19. The diameter of the cylinder 19 is equal to or initially slightly greater than the internal diameter of the tubular segment 14 on the base 11 of the wheeled vehicle 10. If the cylinder 19 is initially larger in diameter than the internal diameter of the tubular segment 14, there will normally be a space provided between the mutually adjacent edges thereof, as at 15, to enable the assembler or intaller to pinch the edges together so that the effective diameter becomes less than the internal diameter of the tubular segment to facilitate an insertion of the cylinder 19 into the tubular segment 14. Thereafter, the edges will separate due to the resilience of the steel to snugly hold the cylinder in the tubular segment. The cylinder 19 has a sufficient length to be received a substantial distance inside the tubular segment 14 as illustrated in Figure 2. In this particular embodiment, a pair of vertically spaced and aligned holes 21 are provided in both the tubular segment 14 and the cylinder 19, each receiving a rivet 22 therein to securely hold the cylinder 19 to the tubular segment 14 and to prevent relative rotation therebetween.

[0018] An intermediate section 23 is provided on the bracket member between the axle mounting section 17 and the stem section 18. The intermediate section flares smoothly downwardly and laterally outwardly from the lower end of the stem section 18, is bulbously curved in a manner such that the centerpoints of all radii of curvature lie on the side of said bracket member adjacent said wheel, and increase in width in a direction away from the stem segment 18. There are no sharp corners in the intermediate section. That is, the intermediate section 23 has a rounded contour to prevent elastic flexing occurring at the juncture between the intermediate section 23 and the stem section 18 as well as along the length of the intermediate section. It is desirable for there to be a rigid relationship between the stem section 18 and the intermediate section 23. The intermediate section then becomes less wide, preferably uniformly tapers toward the axle mounting section 17.

[0019] The axle mounting section 17 is contiguous with the lower portion of the intermediate section 23 and is horizontally and vertically offset from the stem section 18. The axle mounting section 17 is generally a flat, platelike portion extending in a plane parallel to the central axis 37 of the cylinder 19. The juncture between the axle mounting section 17 and the intermediate section 23, namely at 24, defines a region whereat elastic flexing is desirable. The intermediate section 23 has, therefore, a greater resistance to lateral elastic flex than the region indicated by the reference character 24. The purpose of this particular structure will be explained below.

[0020] The axle mounting section has a noncircular opening 26 punched therethrough (see Figure 2A). A solid axle member 27 is provided and has a necked down-portion 28 received in the noncircular opening 26 as shown in Figure 2A. The axis 29 of the axle 27 is oriented preferably perpendicular to the plane of the flat, platelike, axle mounting section 17. The material of the necked down-portion 28 is deformed into a rivet head 31. Simultaneously during this forming of the rivet head 31, the metal is caused to flow and fill the voids 32 (Figure 2A) of the noncircular opening 26 to fixedly and rigidly lock the axle 27 to the axle mounting section 17. An enlargement 30 is provided on the axis 27 at the free end thereof to prevent or stop the wheel 13 from moving axially away from the bracket member 16.

[0021] As shown in Figure 4, the axis 29 is offset horizontally and to the rear of the central axis 37 of the cylinder 19.

[0022] In this particular embodiment, the axle 27 is identical to the axle disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4 318 204. In fact, the entirety of the wheel 13 including the axle therefor is identical to the wheel disclosed in the aforementioned patent. Accordingly, reference thereto is to be incorporated herein. It is, of course, to be understood that other wheel constructions can also be utilized in combination with the bracket member described hereinabove without departing from the scope of the invention. In other words, the disclosure is not to be considered limited to the particular wheel shown in Figure 2. Thus, a detailed discussion of the particular characteristics of the wheel is deemed unnecessary.

[0023] In addition to the relative flexing movement that is permitted between the plane of rotation of the wheel 13 relative to the axis 29 permitted by the thick and elastic segments 33 and 34 of the liner 36, and as described in aforementioned Patent No. 4 318 204, a flexing of the axle mounting section 17 relative to the intermediate section 23 is permitted to facilitate a flexing movement of the axis 29 to a secondary position illustrated by the reference 29A. This particular feature of the bracket member becomes important for the following reasons. In use of the wheel bracket mounting structure which includes the aforementioned bracket member 16 and axle 27 mounted thereon combined with the particular features of the axle mounting section 17 and stem section 18, both of which are isolated by an intermediate section 23, severe loads are applied to the wheel, particularly in an axial direction as opposed to the normal loads applied in the radial direction. These axial loads are generally caused by the user of a wheeled vehicle, such as a shopping cart, pushing on the vehicle handle in a direction which causes a load to be applied to the tread of the wheel as indicated by the arrow F in Figure 2. While the aforementioned thick and elastic segments 33 and 34 of the liner 36 have been heretofore sufficient to compensate for this type of load, it has been discovered that in certain situations additional loads have been applied to the wheel bracket assemblies used heretofore and have resulted in a plastic deformation of the bracket member. This invention, however, is to provide structure which will enable further compensation of these additional loads applied to the overall wheel bracket mounting structure. In this arrangement, there is provided for an elastic flexing to occur at the region 24 between the intermediate section 23 and the axle mounting section 17 of the bracket member 16 enabling the axis 29 to shift temporarily under severe load to the alternate position illustrated by the reference character 29A. This flexing will be in addition to the flexing normally provided when wheels are used which are capable of such flexing movement, particularly those wheels disclosed in Patent Nos. 4 318 204 and Reissue Patent No. 31 110. Both of the wheel structures disclosed in these patents have solid axles. However, it is to be recognized that axle structures such as is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4 072 373 are capable of use with this invention, it being recognized that the axle must be fixedly secured to the axle mounting section 17.

[0024] During testing of the wheel bracket mounting structure described hereinabove, certain surprising results were achieved. For example, and referring to the structure disclosed and claimed in EPC application Serial No. 84 104480.3, filed April 19, 1984, a series of loads were applied to the tread of the wheel at a location corresponding to the location indicated by the reference arrow F in Figure 2 herein. The amount of flex was then measured (distance B) to indicate the amount of elastic flexing that was permitted between the normal plane of rotation P1 and a secondary plane of rotation P2 caused by the application of the force so indicated. The following chart indicates the results as applied to the structure disclosed in the aforementioned application Serial No. 84 104480.3, particularly Figure 2 therein, and utilizing a 5 inch diameter wheel.

[0025] The structure of Figures 2 to 4 were subjected to the same test, using the same wheel, and the following results were achieved, also utilizing a 5 inch diameter wheel:

[0026] The unexpected increase in the amount of deflection permitted by the structure of Figures 2 to 4 has enhanced the durability of the bracket member 16 and enables same to be subjected to severe loads without plastically deforming the bracket member. When the bracket member 16 is employed on wheels used on shopping carts, clerks returning shopping carts to the interior of the store, by first gathering plural carts in a nested relationship in the parking lot and pushing them, one nested within the other, oftentimes encounter locations whereat the entire nested arrangement of shopping carts must be turned at a right angle. It is at this point in time that a severe load is applied to the wheel at the location indicated by the reference arrow F in Figure 2. It is also at this point in time that a severe load is applied to the wheel bracket mounting structure. The provision of the bracket member which I have described above in reference to Figures 2 to 4 enables the wheel bracket mounting structure to withstand the severe load and, following a termination of the severe load, return to its normal position enabling the wheel 13 to return to its proper plane of rotation Pl.

[0027] In reference to this testing, the metal employed for the bracket member 16 was 11-gauge (.120 inches thick) and the internal diameter of the tubular segment 14 was .720 inches in diameter. The metal used in the testing of the arrangement disclosed in the aforementioned application Serial No. 84 104480.3 employed a metal having a 12-gauge thickness (.104 inches thick) and the internal diameter of the tubular segment was, as with the embodiment disclosed in Figures 2 to 4 of this application, .720 inches in diameter.

ALTERNATE EMBODIMENT OF FIGURES 5-6

[0028] The embodiment of Figures 5 and 6 is similar to the embodiment of Figures 2 to 4 described above. Therefore, the same reference numerals will be used to designate similar or identical structure described above in relation to Figures 2 to 4 but with a "1" prefix added thereto. That is, the bracket member 116 is composed of an axle mounting section 117 and a stem section 118 separated by an intermediate section 123. As with the embodiment of Figures 2 to 4, the intermediate section 123 has a greater resistance to elastic flex than does the juncture 124 between the intermediate section 123 and the axle mounting section 117. In this particular embodiment, the stem section 118 is not cylindrical in shape but is, instead, semicylindrical in shape as shown at 38 in Figure 6. To form a cylinder, the same as the cylinder 19 in the embodiment of Figures 2 to 4, an additional skirt member 39 is formed having a stem section 41 thereon which is semicylindrical in shape, which when placed in mating relationship with the semicylindrical portion 38 of the stem section 118 forms a cylinder 119. The cylinder 119 is received in the tubular segment 14 and is secured in place by plural rivets 22 received in aligned openings 21 in the tubular segment 14 and the cylinder 119. In this particular embodiment, the skirt 39 has a lower segment 42 that conforms to the shape of the upper part of the intermediate section 123 so as to match the upper extremity of the intermediate part 123 to provide continuity in the aesthetic appearance. It is to be noted that the skirt terminates at a location above the axle.

ALTERNATE EMBODIMENT OF FIGURES 7-8

[0029] The embodiment of Figures 7 and 8 is generally the same as the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6 and, as a result, the same reference numerals have been utilized as were utilized in the description of Figures 5 and 6 which, in some instances, may have the suffix "A" added thereto to indicate the slight modification. The lower portion 42 of the skirt member 39 has been eliminated in this embodiment leaving only the semicylindrical section 41A which, when mated with the semicylindrical portion 38 of the bracket member 116 forms a cylinder 119.

[0030] The wheel bracket mounting structure of Figures 7 and 8 were subjected to the same testing discussed above, and using a 5 inch diameter wheel, with the following results:

[0031] It was observed that the primary difference between the amount of flexing for the embodiment of Figures 7 and 8 and the embodiment of Figures 2 to 4 was due to a thinner gauge material being utilized for this embodiment. That is, the embodiment of Figures 2 to 4 utilized an 11-gauge material (.120 inches thick) as compared to a 12-gauge material being utilized in this embodiment (.104 inches thick). This particular construction seemed to withstand the severe loading up to at least 75 pounds without any permanent plastic deformation of the metal.

ALTERNATE EMBODIMENT OF FIGURES 9-10

[0032] The embodiment of Figures 9-10 is closely similar to the embodiment of Figures 7 and 8 described above and, as a result, the same reference numerals have been utilized to designate the identical components. That is, the bracket member 116 is identical to the bracket member 116 in this particular embodiment. The primary difference between this embodiment and the embodiment of Figures 7 and 8 is the provision of an elastomeric member 43 which is shaped to fill the interior of the C-shaped contour of the semicylindrical portion 38 of the stem section 118 as well as fill out the remainder of the interior of the tubular segment 14. Thus, the outer extremity of both the semicylindrical segment 38 and the elastomeric member 43 is cylindrical to thereby define the cylinder 119. Appropriate openings are provided through the elastomeric member 43 to facilitate the rivets 22 securing the bracket member 16 and cooperating elastomeric member 43 to the interior of the tubular segment 14.

[0033] The elastomeric member in this embodiment, as in all other embodiments described herein, is made of a polyurethane having a hardness value in the range of 75 Shore A to 55 Shore D Durometer.

ALTERNATE EMBODIMENT OF FIGURES 11-12

[0034] The embodiment of Figures 11 and 12 is similar to the embodiment of Figures 9 and 10. Therefore, the same reference numeral will be used to designate similar or identical structure described above in relation to Figures 2 to 4 but with a "2" prefix added thereto. There is a slight variation, however, in the specific shape of the bracket member 216, particularly the shape of the intermediate segment 223 wherein a rounded corner at 44 is provided whereas in the embodiment of Figures 9 and 10 a rather sharp corner is provided. In addition, the stem section 218 is shaped slightly differently from the embodiment of Figures 9 and 10. In this particular embodiment, the stem segment 218 is somewhat C-shaped having a pair of parallel legs 46 and 47 which extend in parallel planes which are both parallel to an upright vertical plane extending through the axis 29. The legs 46 and 47 are connected by a bight section having an exterior surface that is arcuate and corresponds to the arcuate contour of the interior of the tubular segment 14. Further, a space 49 is provided between the exterior of the leg 46 and the interior of the tubular segment 14 as well as a space 51 between the exterior of the leg 47 and the interior of the tubular segment 14 as best illustrated in Figure 12. An elastomeric member 52 is provided and is adapted to fill the space between the parallel legs 46 and 47 as well as the spaces 49 and 51 and, further, the remainder portion of the interior of the tubular segment 14 to define a cylinder 119. The exterior surface of the cylinder 119 is composed of two parts, namely, the exterior surface of the bight 48 as well as the exterior surface of the elastomeric member 52 as best illustrated in Figure 12.

[0035] The elastomeric member in this embodiment, as in all other embodiments described herein, is made of a polyurethane having a hardness value in the range of 75 Shore A to 55 Shore D Durometer.

[0036] In this particular embodiment, the bight section 48 is provided with a single hole therethrough which is aligned with the single set of aligned holes 21 provided in the tubular segment 14 so that a single rivet 22 effects a securing of the stem section 218 to the tubular segment 14. In this particular embodiment, the hole through the bight 48 is slightly larger than the diameter of the central portion of the rivet so that the entirety of the bracket member 216 will move relative to the tubular segment 14 against the resilient urging of the elastomeric member 52. It is to be noted that each of the legs 46 and 47 each have an edge 53 thereon which is inclined to the vertical as best illustrated in Figure 11. The edge effectively constitutes a removal of material from the legs 46 and 47 to facilitate further relative movement between the bracket member 216 and the tubular segment 14. That is, the bracket member 216 is movable, for example, to the broken line position illustrated in Figure 11 about an axis oriented perpendicular to the axis of the rivet 22 against the resilient urging of the elastomeric member 52.

[0037] The wheel bracket mounting structure of Figures 11 and 12 was subjected to the same type of testing as was the previously discussed embodiments of Figures 2 to 4 and Figures 7 and 8. The following are the test results derived from the test. A 5 inch diameter wheel was used in this testing.

Additional force was applied to the wheel until a maximum deflection of 5 inches was achieved and without any plastic deformation of the bracket.

[0038] The material of the bracket member 216 was 11-gauge steel. The spacing between the exterior surfaces of the parallel legs 46 and 47 was .500 inches and the distance from the midportion of the exterior surface of the bight 48 to the axially facing edges of the legs 46 and 47 adjacent the juncture between the stem section 218 and the intermediate section 223 was .425 inches. The interior diameter of the tubular segment was the same as the previous embodiments, namely, .720 inches.

ALTERNATE EMBODIMENT OF FIGURES 13-14

[0039] The embodiment of Figures 13 and 14 is similar in many respects to the embodiment of Figures 2 to 4 and, as a result, the same reference numerals will be used to designate similar or identical structure described in relation to Figures 2 to 4 but with a "3" prefix added thereto. The bracket member 316 has a cylindrically shaped stem section 318 separated from the axle mounting segment 317 by an intermediate segment 323. The cylinder 319 of the stem section 318 has a diameter that is less than the interior diameter of the tubular segment 14 thereby defining a space 54 therebetween. An elastomeric sleeve is provided and fills the space 54 between the exterior surface of the cylinder 319 and the interior surface of the tubular segment 14. In this particular embodiment, the sleeve 56 has a cylindrical body part and a closed end section 57. For decorative purposes, a radially outwardly extending annular lip 58 is provided and grips over and covers the lower annular edge 59 of the tubular segment 14. A pair of vertically spaced and parallel openings are provided in the cylinder 319 as well as in the wall of the tubular segment 14 and the cylindrical shell portion of the elastomeric sleeve 56 so as to facilitate the reception therein of rivets 22 to effect a securement of the stem section 318 to the tubular segment 14.

[0040] The elastomeric member in this embodiment, as in all other embodiments described herein, is made of a polyurethane having a hardness value in the range of 75 Shore A to 55 Shore D Durometer.

[0041] As with the embodiments of Figures 2 to 4, Figures 7 and 8 and Figures 11 and 12, this embodiment was also subjected to a test wherein a force was applied to the tread of the wheel 13 in direction of the arrow F illustrated in Figure 13. The amount of deflection B was measured and the following are the results obtained from such testing.

[0042] The internal diameter of the tubular segment 14 in this particular embodiment was .830 inches. The interior diameter of the cylindrical sleeve portion of the elastomeric sleeve 56 was .720 inches and the outer diameter thereof was .830 inches. The material of the bracket member 316 was 11-gauge steel. Further, and with all testing discussed herein, the wheel 13 was 5 inches in diameter.

ALTERNATE EMBODIMENT OF FIGURES 15-17

[0043] The embodiment of Figures 15 to 17 is similar in many respects to the embodiment of Figures 2 to 4 and, as a result, the same reference numerals will be used to designate similar or identical structure described in relation to Figures 2 to 4 but with a "4" prefix added thereto. That is, the bracket member 416 has a cylindrical stem section 418 and a flat, platelike, axle mounting section 417 separated by a bulbously contoured intermediate section 423. The primary differences between this embodiment and the embodiment of Figures 2 to 4 is the orientation of the flat, platelike, axle mounting section 417 in a plane which is inclined to the vertical. In this particular embodiment, the plane of the flat, platelike, axle mounting section 417 is, as with the previously discussed embodiments, parallel to the plane of rotation of the wheel 13A. The axis 29 of the axle for the wheel extends perpendicular to the plane of the axle mounting section 417. The plane of rotation Pl for the wheel 13A is inclined to the vertical by an angle equal to 3° to 5°. The tread of the wheel 13A is configured so that the entire width of the tread 61 engages the ground even though the plane of rotation Pl thereof is inclined to the vertical by the aforementioned angle β. In all other respects, the wheel 13A is identical to the wheel 13 disclosed in the embodiment relating to Figures 2 to 4.

[0044] Another feature that is different in this embodiment is that the bracket member 416 is located on the outside of the wheel when it is mounted on a wheeled vehicle, such as the wheeled vehicle 10 illustrated in Figure 1. In the previously discussed embodiments, the bracket member 16 was, in each instance, mounted on the inside of the wheel. There is provided a bracket member 416 capable of supporting the wheel on the inside thereof so that the exterior of the wheel supported vehicle will appear the same as conventional rear brackets except that the bracket member 416 is comprised of a single piece of steel. In this particular embodiment, the axis 37 of the cylinder 419 defined by the stem section 418 is contained in a plane which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wheeled vehicle 10 and is oriented in an obtuse angle a relative to the plane of rotation Pl for the wheel 13A. In this particular embodiment, the angle a is in the range of 175° to 177°, namely, the complement to the angle S. The purpose behind inclining the plane of rotation P1 for the wheel 13A to the vertical is to provide additional space between the mutually adjacent portions of the tread 61 and the surface of the bracket member 16. Since relative movement capability exists between the wheel 13A and the bracket member 16 due to the particular bearing support in the wheel 13A, sufficient space has to be provided to enable the wheel to move relative to the bracket member 416 without causing the tread 61 to scrub against the inside surface portion of the intermediate section 423 when the wheel is flexed to the broken line position shown in Figure 15.

ALTERNATE EMBODIMENT OF FIGURES 18-20

[0045] In certain instances, it may be desirable to support the axle rotatably supporting a wheel from both ends thereof. Further, a particular customer may demand this type of support for the wheel even though the previously discussed embodiments will adequately tolerate most abuses rendered to a wheel bracket mounting structure. However, as explained above and with respect to the structure disclosed in application Serial No. 84 104480.3, insufficient flex was possible between the wheel bracket mounting structure and the tubular segment before plastic deformation occurred in the structure of the bracket members. It will be recognized in the earlier filed application Serial No. 84 104480.3 that an elastomeric sleeve could be placed around the stem section to enhance the relative movement characteristic between the bracket members and the tubular segment. In this particular instance, the following test results occurred when a force was applied to the tread of a wheel shown in Figure 12 in the aforementioned application to cause a flexing of the plane of rotation Pl to an alternate position P2 thereof. A 5 inch diameter wheel was used on this testing.

[0046] In this test, the material of the bracket members was 11-gauge steel and the diameter of the stem section was .720 inches and the exterior diameter of the elastomeric sleeve was .830 inches, namely, the same as the internal diameter of the tubular segment 14. This particular construction has been satisfactory for most uses discovered to date. However, there are certain applications wherein larger forces must be absorbed in order to prevent plastic deformation of the bracket members. Figures 18 to 20 represent an improvement over the earlier structures disclosed in the aforementioned application Serial No. 84 104480.3.

[0047] Referring now more specifically to the structure of Figures 18 to 20, the wheel bracket mounting structure consists of a pair of bracket members 62 and 63 which are the mirror image of each other. The bracket member 62 has a flat, platelike, axle mounting section 64 and a semicylindrically shaped stem section 66 separated from the axle mounting section by a bulbously contoured intermediate section 67. The bracket 63 also has a flat, platelike, axle mounting section 68 as well as a semicylindrically shaped stem section 69 separated from the axle mounting section by a bulbously contoured intermediate section 71. In this particular embodiment, the stem section 69 has a section thereof adjacent the upper edge which is removed to form an inclined edge 72. In addition, a single opening 73 is provided in the stem sections 66 and 69, the axis of which extends in an upright vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of a wheeled vehicle on which the wheel bracket mounting structure is secured. In this particular embodiment, the plane is identified by the reference character P3 in Figure 18.

[0048] As with the previously discussed embodiments, the intermediate sections 67 and 71 of both bracket members 62 and 63, respectively, have a greater resistance to lateral flex than the junctures 74 and 76, respectively, between the aforesaid intermediate sections 67 and 71 and the associated axle mounting sections 64 and 68. However, an axle is secured to and extends between the axle mounting sections to eliminate the elastic flex at the junctures 74 and 76.

[0049] The wheel 13B oriented between the bracket members 62 and 63 can be of any construction including wheels having a hollow axle as opposed to a solid axle. One such wheel employing a hollow axle is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4 072 373.

[0050] An opening 77, smaller in diameter than the opening 73, is provided in diametrically opposite sides of the tubular segment 14A of the base frame of a wheeled vehicle, the axis of which also extends parallel to the plane P3. In the embodiments of Figures 2 to 17 discussed above, the axis of the rivets all extended perpendicular to the plane Pl, namely, a plane corresponding to the aforementioned plane P3. Prior to insertion of the stem sections 66 and 69 into the interior of the tubular segment 14A, the lower end of the tubular segment 14A is enlarged as best illustrated in Figure 19. That is, the lower end of the tubular segment 14A has a generally elliptical shape wherein the left and right halves of the opening have a radius R with the centerpoints of each radii being spaced apart approximately the diameter of the central portion of the rivet 78 as best illustrated in Figure 19. During assembly of the bracket members 62 and 63 to the tubular segment 14, the opening 73 is aligned with the opening 77 and a rivet 78 is inserted therein. The enlarged opposite ends on the rivet 78 are best illustrated in Figure 20. An elastomeric sleeve 79 is provided and encircles the stem sections 66 and 69. In this particular embodiment, the plane of rotation Pl of the wheel 13B is oriented at an angle a relative to an upright vertical plane extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of a wheeled vehicle on which such wheel is mounted. In this particular embodiment, the angle β is oriented in the range of 3° to 5° from the vertical as illustrated in Figure 18. The elastomeric sleeve 79 occupies the space between the peripheral surface of the stem sections 66 and 69 and the internal surface of the tubular segment 14A. Since the stem sections 66 and 69 forming a cylinder are inclined to the vertical, the elastomeric sleeve 79 has a special shape to fill the space between the exterior cylindrical surface formed by the stem sections 66 and 69 and the interior of the enlarged lower segment of the tubular segment 14A. As illustrated in Figure 19, the elastomeric sleeve 79 will have a uniform thickness around the stem section 69 but a varying and enlarged thickness around the stem section 66.

[0051] The elastomeric member in this embodiment, as in all other embodiments described herein, is made of a polyurethane having a hardness value in the range of 75 Shore A to 55 Shore D Durometer.

[0052] The embodiment of Figures 18 to 20 was subjected to a test wherein a force was applied to the tread in the direction of the arrow F illustrated in Figure 18. The deflection of the plane of rotation from the position Pl to alternate positions illustrated by the plane P2 was measured. In addition, the amount of lateral movement C of the bracket members 62 and 63, particularly, the axle mounting sections 64 and 68, were noted. The following test results were obtained. A 5 inch diameter wheel was used in this testing.

[0053] The material of the bracket members 62 and 63 comprised 12-gauge steel and the wheel 13B was 5 inches in diameter. Further, the specific angle of the plane Pl relative to the vertical plane P3 at the start of the test was 3°. Further, the upper section of the tubular segment 14A had an interior diameter of .830 inches. The lower internal dimension of the tubular segment 14A, from left to right in Figure 19, was 1.030 inches. In other words, there was a .100 inch flare on each side of the tubular segment from the central axis of the tubular segment 14A. Thus, the amount of lateral flex achieved by the embodiment of Figures 18 to 20 was more than twice that amount obtained by the Figure 2 structure and more than 50 percent that amount obtained by the Figure 12 structure disclosed in the aforementioned earlier filed application Serial No. 84 104480.3 and as evidenced by the data presented hereinabove.

[0054] Although particular preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized that variations or modifications of the disclosed apparatus, including the rearrangement of parts, lie within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A wheel bracket mounting structure, comprising: an elongated bracket member including an axle mounting section and a stem mounting section at generally opposite ends thereof, said axle mounting section including first means defining a generally flat, platelike portion, said stem mounting section including second means defining an elongate, generally arcuate stem means adapted to be directly attached to a support member on a wheeled vehicle, said bracket member further including third means intermediate said first and second means for providing a smooth transition therebetween, said third means including a segment adjacent said platelike portion for providing a region remote from said arcuate stem means about which said platelike portion can elastically flex relative to said arcuate stem means.

2. A wheel bracket mounting structure according to Claim 1, including an axle member rigidly secured and cantilevered to said flat, platelike portion, the axis of said axle member extending generally perpendicularly to the plane of said flat, platelike portion.

3. The wheel bracket mounting structure according to Claim 2, including a wheel and bearing means rotatably supporting said wheel on said axle member; and
wherein stop means are provided on said axle member for preventing axial movement of said wheel in a direction away from said flat, platelike portion.

4. The wheel bracket mounting structure according to Claim 1, wherein said bracket member is of a unitary construction made of a single piece of uniformly thick, high carbon steel, heat treated and drawn to a Rockwell hardness in the range of 45 to 55 Rockwell C.

5. The wheel bracket mounting structure according to Claim 1, wherein said third means includes a bulbously shaped structure providing a greater resistance to lateral elastic flex than said region defined by said segment.

6. The wheel bracket mounting structure according to Claim 1, wherein when said arcuate stem means is connected to a wheeled vehicle, said platelike portion is oriented in a vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of said arcuate stem means.

7. The wheel bracket mounting structure according to Claim 1, wherein when said arcuate stem means is connected to a wheeled vehicle, said platelike portion is oriented in a plane which is inclined to the vertical and out of parallel relationship to the longitudinal axis of said arcuate stem means.

8. The wheel bracket mounting structure according to Claim 2, wherein said platelike portion is vertically and horizontally offset from said arcuate stem means;

wherein said third means includes a shaped structure providing greater resistance to lateral elastic flex than said region defined by said segment; and

wherein said shaped structure and said segment resist elastic flex in a direction radial to said axle segment.

9. The wheel bracket mounting structure according to Claim 2, wherein when said arcuate stem means is connected to a wheeled vehicle, said platelike portion is oriented in a vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of said arcuate stem means; and
wherein said axle member extends from a side of said platelike portion thereby orienting a central plane of said wheel rotatably mounted thereon in alignment with the longitudinal axis of said arcuate stem means.

10. The wheel bracket mounting structure according to Claim 2, wherein when said arcuate stem means is connected to a wheeled vehicle, said platelike portion is oriented in a vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of said arcuate stem means;
wherein said axle member extends from a side of said platelike portion thereby orienting a central plane of said wheel rotatably mounted thereon at an obtuse angle greater than 170° but less than 180° to a vertically aligned plane containing said longitudinal axis of said cylindrical stem means and oriented parallel to the rolling direction of said wheel about said axis of said axle member.

11. The wheel bracket mounting structure according to Claim 10, wherein said obtuse angle is in the range of 175° to 177°.

12. The wheel bracket mounting structure according to Claim 1, wherein said arcuate stem means includes the material of said bracket member bent into a closed, cylindrical form.

13. The wheel bracket mounting structure according to Claim 12, wherein said arcuate stem means includes an elastomeric sleeve encircling said closed, cylindrical form.

14. The wheel bracket mounting structure according to Claim 1, wherein said arcuate stem means includes the material of said bracket member bent into a first semicylindrical segment and a separate and second semicylindrical segment juxtaposed said first semicylindrical segment to thereby define a cylinder.

15. The wheel bracket mounting structure according to Claim 14, wherein said second semicylindrical segment includes means defining a skirt integrally secured thereto and having a shape mirror imaging at least a portion of said third means adjacent said stem mounting section.

16. The wheel bracket mounting structure according to Claim 1, wherein said arcuate stem means includes the material of said bracket member bent into a semicylindrical segment and an elastomeric member having a first portion filling the space between the legs of said semicylindrical segment and a second portion integral with said first portion having a shape conforming to the shape of said semicylindrical segment to thereby form a cylinder.

17. The wheel bracket mounting structure according to Claim 1, wherein said arcuate stem means includes the material of said bracket member bent into a C shape, the legs of which lie in spaced and parallel planes, and an elastomeric member having a first portion filling the space between said legs of said C-shaped member and a second portion integral with said first portion having a shape conforming to the shape of a portion of said C-shaped member to at least define a cylinder.

18. The wheel bracket mounting structure according to Claim 17, wherein the upper region of the vertically extending edges of said legs are inclined to the vertical toward a bight portion of said C-shaped member extending between said parallel legs.

19. The wheel bracket mounting structure according to Claim 1, including a further elongated bracket member that is a mirror image to the first mentioned bracket member, said bracket members each having a semicylindrical stem mounting section and a bulbously contoured third means providing said smooth transition between said stem mounting section and said axle mounting section, said bracket members being oriented side-by- side so that said semicylindrical stem mounting sections define a cylinder and said axle mounting sections are horizontally spaced from each other, an axle fixedly connected to and extending between said axle mounting sections and a wheel rotatably supported on said axle.

20. The wheel bracket mounting structure according to Claim 19, wherein said axle and its connection to said axle supporting sections eliminates the elastic flex at said segment.

21. The wheel bracket mounting structure according to Claim 20, wherein an elastomeric member encircles said cylinder and is received in a downwardly opening and vertically oriented tubular segment on a wheeled vehicle, and wherein pivot means are provided for pivotally securing said bracket members to said tubular segment, said elastomeric member yieldably resisting pivotal movement of said bracket members.

22. The wheel bracket mounting structure according to Claim 21, wherein said pivot means includes an axis which extends parallel to a plane of rotation of said wheel.

23. The wheel bracket mounting structure according to Claim 21, wherein the lower end portion of said tubular segment is flared outwardly in directions lateral to a plane of rotation of said wheel; and

wherein said plane of rotation of said wheel and the axis of said cylinder are oriented at an acute angle to the vertical; and

wherein said elastomeric member is formed to occupy the space between said cylinder and the internal wall of said flared part of said tubular segment.

24. A method of making a wheel bracket mounting structure, comprising the steps of stamping out from a metal plate an elongate bracket member, forming at one end thereof an arcuate stem section and forming a flat, platelike axle mounting section at the other end
thereof, forming an intermediate section between said arcuate stem section and said axle mounting section, said forming of said intermediate section including the step of bending said metal laterally of said arcuate stem section to orient said axle mounting section horizontally and vertically offset from said arcuate stem section and the step of forming a bulbous contour thereon having the centerpoints of all radii of curvature located below said arcuate stem section, and forming a juncture between said intermediate section and said axle mounting section which has a lesser resistance to lateral flex than said intermediate section.

25. The method according to Claim 24, including the step of assembling an axle to said axle mounting section, said step including the punching of a noncircular opening in said axle mounting section and placing an end of said axle therein so that a portion thereof extends from the opposite side, upsetting said end so that the material of said end flows to fill said noncircular opening thereby preventing relative movement between said axle and said axle mounting section.

26. The method according to Claim 25, including the step of placing a wheel on said axle and forming a stop on the end of said axle remote from said axle mounting section to limit axial movement of said wheel.

27. The method according to Claim 24, including the step of heating said bracket member and drawing it so as to impart thereto a Rockwell hardness in the range of 45 to 55 RC.

Drawing